Helical chirality in donor-acceptor catenanes

A [2]catenane in which the macrocyclic polyether, bisparaphenylene[34]crown-10, is interlocked with the tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene), is shown by dynamic (1)H NMR spectroscopy, using (i). neutral and (ii). anionic chiral shift reagents (CSRs), to exist at low temperatures (197 K) in acetone-d(6) solutions as 1:1 and 2:1 mixtures of diastereoisomeric complexes and salts, respectively, as a consequence of the helical chirality associated with the [2]catenane interacting with the CSRs.     

Half-rotation in a [2]catenane via interconvertible Pd(II) coordination modes

Reaction of a [2]catenane with Pd(OAc)2 binds both macrocycles to the metal, locking them in position; treatment with PdCl2, however, results in coordination of only one ring, producing a half-turn in the relative orientation of the [2]catenane components in both solution and the solid state.     

DABCO-Induced self-assembly of a trisporphyrin double-decker cage: thermodynamic characterization and guest recognition

This paper describes the thermodynamic characterization of the self-assembly of a Zn trisporphyrin induced by coordination with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) to form a stable 2:3 double-decker molecular coordination cage that recognizes benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamides. The self-assembly process has been studied using UV-vis and (1)H NMR spectroscopy and quantitatively characterized in terms of a single stability constant that describes the strength of the individual coordination interactions and two effective molarities (EM) that describe the additional stability imparted by intramolecular cyclization. The EM values of the two consecutive cyclic intramolecular interactions are very similar. At micromolar concentrations, the formation of the fully assembled coordination cage is highly favored over the formation of intermediate species stabilized by fewer interactions, and so self-assembly is an all-or-nothing process. In contrast, at millimolar concentrations, the relative stability of intermediate species increases, leading to a stepwise self-assembly process, and a 2:2 intermediate can be clearly identified using (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The molecular recognition of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamides by the cage was investigated using (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The tricarboxamides bind inside the central cavity of the cage complex, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) allowed the quantification of the stoichiometry and binding affinities.     

The topological and chemical implications of introducing oriented rings to [3]catenanes

We report the synthesis of three donor–acceptor azido-functionalised catenanes, wherein the asymmetric positioning of the azide group on one or two of the ring components renders its resident macrocycle constitutionally asymmetric, and so it acts as an oriented ring. As a consequence, the analyses of (i) a monoazido[2]catenane, (ii) a monoazido[3]catenane and (iii) a bisazido[3]catenane, which exists as a mixture of two conditional topological isomers, are significantly complicated. Accordingly, characterisation of the catenanes, which was achieved by a combination of dynamic ¹H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction, is an arduous task. We expect that the difficulties in analysing these mechanically interlocked molecules will be encountered more frequently as chemists prepare entities with increasingly complex topologies.     

Chloride‐Anion‐Templated Synthesis of a Strapped‐Porphyrin‐Containing Catenane Host System

The synthesis, structure and anion‐recognition properties of a new strapped‐porphyrin‐containing [2]catenane anion host system are described. The assembly of the catenane is directed by discrete chloride anion templation acting in synergy with secondary aromatic donor–acceptor and coordinative pyridine–zinc interactions. The [2]catenane incorporates a three‐dimensional, hydrogen‐bond‐donating anion‐binding pocket; solid‐state structural analysis of the catenane?chloride complex reveals that the chloride anion is encapsulated within the catenane’s interlocked binding cavity through six convergent CH????Cl and NH???Cl hydrogen‐bonding interactions and solution‐phase ¹H NMR titration experiments demonstrate that this complementary hydrogen‐bonding arrangement facilitates the selective recognition of chloride over larger halide anions in DMSO solution.     

Chloride selective calix[4]arene optical sensor combining urea functionality with pyrene excimer transduction

A neutral 2-site chloride selective compound has been developed (3), based on a 1,3-alternate tetrasubstituted calix[4]arene providing a preorganized supramolecular scaffold. The resultant supramolecular cavity is among the first to combine urea functional groups bridged with single methylene spacers to pyrene moieties. It combines a naturally and synthetically proven H-bonding system with the elegant ratiometric fluorescent signaling properties of an intramolecular pyrene excimer system, triggered by conformational changes upon anion coordination. The excimer emission of 3 is quenched, with a simultaneous rise in the monomer emission solely by the chloride anion among a wide variety of anions tested. 3 has an association constant of 2.4 x 10(4) M(-1) with chloride. The suitability and advantages of ratiometric optical sensor compounds like 3 for use in practical sensor devices is discussed. 3 has an LOD of 8 x 10(-6) M with chloride in acetonitrile-chloroform (95:5 v/v). A dynamic fluorescence study revealed a response time of < 3 s. A recently developed and simple HPLC-based purification method complimented conventional organic work up methods to yield pure product.     

The synthesis of a pyrrole-functionalized cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) derivative and its corresponding [2]rotaxane and [2]catenane and their subsequent deposition onto an electrode surface

We report the convenient synthesis of a pyrrole-functionalized tetracationic cyclophane, [2]rotaxane, and [2]catenane. X-ray crystallography has confirmed the interlocked structure of the catenane. We have investigated the solution properties of these systems using solution electrochemistry, NMR, and UV-vis spectroscopy. We have also demonstrated that it is possible to immobilize these systems onto a platinum working electrode surface. We have shown that films of the cyclophane have the ability to undergo complexation with a dialkyloxynaphthalene derivative.     

Translational isomerism and dynamics in multi-hydroquinone derived porphyrin [2]- and [3]-catenanes

A series of porphyrins strapped with polyether chains containing two or three 1,4-dioxybenzene units has been synthesised with a view to the production of porphyrin-containing [2] and [3]catenanes, where the porphyrin is strapped between ortho-positions of 5,15-(meso)-diaryl groups, and is interlinked with the bipyridinium macrocycle cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene). The porphyrins were isolated as mixtures of atropisomers, where the linking strap spans across the face of the porphyrin (alpha,alpha-isomer), or 'twisted' around its side (alpha,beta-isomer). Their structures were determined by detailed 1H NMR spectroscopy. The bis-1,4-dioxybenzene-strapped derivatives were shown to undergo atropisomerisation on heating, to produce an equilibrium mixture. Catenation under high pressure conditions of the mixture, or of the individual isomers, produced only a single catenane, that of the alpha,alpha-isomer. Its structure was determined by mass spectral and dynamic NMR measurements. Rates were determined for: (i) translational motion or 'shuttling' between 1,4-dioxybenzenes; (ii) 'rotation' of the macrocycle around the 1,4-dioxybenzene axis; and (iii) 'rocking' of the 1,4-dioxybenzene within the macrocycle. The atropisomers of the strapped derivatives containing three 1,4-dioxybenzene units were also separated, and subjected to catenation. Both [2]- and [3]catenanes were isolated, and were shown to be stable to further atropisomerisation. Their solution structures were probed in detail by dynamic 1H NMR measurements. The rates for shuttling and rotation were obtained in certain cases, although the complexity of the spectra of the [3]catenanes prevented a more detailed investigation.     

Versatile behavior of 2-guanidinobenzimidazole nitrogen atoms toward protonation,coordination and methylation

The structure, dynamic behavior, protonation, methylation, and coordination sites of 2-guanidinobenzimidazole 1a were investigated. Structures of compounds [2-guanidinium-1,3,10-trihydrobenzimidazole]sulfate 1b , [2-guanidinium-1,3-dihydro-benzimidazole]sulfate 1c–1d , [2-guanidinium-1,3-dihydro-benzimidazole]tetrafluoroborate 1e , [2-guanidinium-1,3-dihydro-benzimidazole]chloride 1f , [2-guanidinium-1,3-dihydro-benzimidazole] perchlorate 1g , 2-guanidino-1-methyl-benzimidazole 2a , [2-guanidinium-1,3-dimethyl-benzimidazole]iodide 2b , [2-guanidinium-1-methyl-3-hydro-benzimidazole]chloride 2c , [2-guanidinium-1,10-dihydro-benzimidazole]acetate 3 , 2-guanidino-1-hydro-3-borane-benzimidazole 4a , 2-guanidino-1-methyl-3-borane-benzimidazole 4b , (2-guanidino-benzimidazole)dimethyltin 5 , [bis(2-guanidino-10-hydro-benzimidazole)nickel(II)] 6 , and [bis(2-guanidino-1,10-dihydro-benzimidazole)zinc(II)]nitrate 7 were determined based on ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction structures of 2a, 2b, 3, 6 , and 7 were obtained. The results show that 1a has an open structure without an intramolecular hydrogen bond in DMSO or DMF. The imidazolic N-3 is the preferred basic site in solution for protonation, methylation, and coordination and not N-10 as was suggested from semiempirical calculations. Under strong acidic conditions, diprotonation occurs at N-3 and N-10. In the solid state, 3 and 6 were protonated preferently at N10 rather than at N-1. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 8: 397–410, 1997     

Palladium(II)-directed self-assembly of dynamic donor-acceptor [2]catenanes

Highly efficient syntheses of donor-acceptor [2]catenanes were developed using a combination of templation and reversible metal-ligand coordination. The desired [2]catenanes were obtained within minutes through a five-component assembly, involving a donor-containing crown ether, an acceptor-containing ligand, two Pd(II) metal centers, and a dipyridyl ligand. The [2]catenane formation was characterized by 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies and cold-spray ionization mass spectrometry. In particular, great translational selectivity was observed when a crown ether with two different donor units was employed.     

Mechanically linked polycarbonate

The synthesis, by solid-state copolymerization, and characterization of the first polycatenanes based on a commercial polymer are reported. Various amounts of a benzylic amide [2]catenane, the corresponding macrocycle, and a rigid bisphenol fluorene derivative have been quantitatively and homogeneously incorporated into bisphenol A polycarbonate. The resulting copolymers were characterized by size exclusion chromatography coupled with viscosimetry, (1)H NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The unexpectedly small influence of [2]catenane incorporation on the glass transition temperature of the copolymers points to remarkable internal mobility of the catenane comonomer rings. A new relaxation linked to the flexible catenane units is also observed. The studies represent a detailed structural characterization of a polymer containing small amounts of mechanical linkages in its backbone and demonstrate that significant effects can be induced by doping conventional polymers with small percentages (2-6% of repeat units) of flexible catenanes.     

Structural impact of coordinating a helical 2,6-pyridyl diamide with divalent metals

[Structure: see text] The structural consequences of coordinating 2,6-bis[2-((4S)-4-methyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-yl)phenyl]carbamoylpyridines, 2, with divalent metals such as Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) are reported. Metal coordination occurs under mild conditions in a manner that preserves the helical bias of the parent ligand in the solid state and in solution. 1H NMR line-shape analysis indicates that metal coordination increases the helical interconversion barrier, thus rigidifying the dynamic helicity of 2.     

Role of nitrogen atom in aromatic stacking

Aromatic stacking of 9,9'-(alpha,omega-alkanediyl)bis[adenine] (1), 1,1'-(alpha,omega-alkanediyl)bis[benzimidazole] (2), and 9-[omega-(benzimidazol-1-yl)alkyl]adenine (3) were studied at low concentrations of these compounds by means of UV and NMR spectroscopies. The UV hypochromic effect at T degrees C was determined as the ratio of the integration strength B at T degrees C (T = 27, 40, and 50) to that at 60 degrees C. The UV hypochromic effects of 1 and 3 were remarkable in water, suggesting a formation of intramolecular aromatic stacking, while the UV data of 2 did not present unambiguous evidence supporting aromatic stacking. A difference of chemical shift of each aromatic ring proton between 27 and 80 degrees C, that is Deltadelta = delta(80 degrees C) - delta(27 degrees C), was given as an indication of the aromatic stacking in the NMR study. On the basis the data of Deltadelta, 1 and 3 were stabilized by a stacking interaction in the buffer solution at pD 7.0 but not in the organic solvents. On the other hand, the NMR data did not indicate the formation of aromatic stacking of 2 either in the organic solvents or in the aqueous solution. The thermodynamic parameters of the intramolecular aromatic stacking of 3 were determined by means of NMR spectroscopy.     

Kupfer(II)-Komplexe von N-Benzoyl-O-methyl-N′-phenyl-isoharnstoffen

Copper(II) Complexes of N-Benzoyl-O-methyl-N′-phenyl-isoureas By reaction of N-benzoyl-N′-(p-nitro/p-bromphenyl)thioureas with copper(II)acetate-monohydrate in methanole insoluble copper(I)precipitates have been obtained, from which filtrates bis[N-benzoyl-O-methyl-N′-(p-nitrophenyl)-isoureato]copper(II) 1 and bis[N-benzoyl-O-methyl-(p-bromphenyl)-isoureato]copper(II) 2 were isolated. The moleculare structure of 1 with planar trans coordination has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The N-benzoyl-O-methyl- N′-(o-nitrophenyl)-isourea 3 and N-benzoyl-O-methyl-N′-(p-bromphenyl)-isourea 4 have been prepared by reaction of the corresponding N-benzoyl-N′-phenyl-thioureas with mercury(II)acetate in methanolic solution. The molecular structure of 3 has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The NH-tautomeric form is stabilized by a bifurcated intramolecular hydrogen bond to an oxygen atom of the o-nitro group and the benzoyl oxygen atom. XPS, NMR and mass-spectrometric investigations also confirm the structures.     

Zinc(II)-templated synthesis of a [2]-catenane consisting of a 2,2',6',2' '-terpyridine-incorporating cycle and a 1,10-phenanthroline-containing ring

A nonsymmetrical [2]-catenane has been synthesized, with a 5-coordinated metal center (Zn(2+)) as template. One of the two rings contains a terdentate ligand (2,2',6',2' '-terpyridine) and the other one incorporates a bidentate chelate (1,10-phenanthroline). The first ring was prepared separately and, subsequently, Zn(2+) was used as the gathering and threading element to pass the stringlike component through the ring. This open-chain species bears two terminal olefins, which were reacted with Grubbs first-generation catalyst (ring-closing metathesis) to afford the desired catenane. Hydrogenation of the double bond and removal of the zinc(II) template afforded the final free [2]-catenane in 40% yield from the terdentate ligand-containing cycle and the diolefinic compound. Complexation studies on this new pentacoordinating catenane were carried out with Fe(II) or Cu(II). The most interesting observation is that the 5-coordinated complexes obtained are strongly stabilized. Their electrochemical reduction occurs at negative potentials.     

Infinite Twisted Polycatenanes

Poly[n]catenanes have exceptional mechanical bonding properties that give them tremendous potential for use in the development of molecular machines and soft materials. Synthesizing these compounds has, however, proven to be a formidable challenge. Herein, we describe a concise method for the construction of twisted polycatenanes. Our approach involves using preorganized double helicates as templates, linked crosswise in a linear fashion by either silver ions or triple bonds. By using this approach, we successfully synthesized twisted polycatenanes with both coordination and covalent bonding employing Ag(I) ions and ethynylene units, respectively, as the linkages and leveraging the same Ag(I)-templated double helicate in both cases. Synthesis with Ag(I) ions formed a single-crystalline one-dimensional (1D) coordination poly[n]catenane, and synthesis using ethynylene units generated 1D fibers which self-assembled with solvents to form a gel. Our results confirm the potential of multi-stranded metallohelicates for creating sophisticated mechanically interlocked molecules and polymers, which could pave the way for exploration in the realms of molecular nanotopology and materials design.     

Versatile formation of [2]catenane and [2]pseudorotaxane structures; threading and noncovalent stoppering by a self-assembled macrocycle

A self-assembled dimeric macrocycle between 4,4'-bis(4-pyridylmethoxy)biphenyl (L) and (en)Pd(NO(3))(2) was constructed, and its interactions with cyclodextrins of different cavity size resulted in the formation of [2]catenane and [2]pseudorotaxane systems, respectively. The structures were identified by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy and cold spray ionization mass (CSI-MS) spectrometry.     

Formation of Self‐Templated 2,6‐Bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine [2]Catenanes by Triazolyl Hydrogen Bonding: Selective Anion Hosts for Phosphate

We report the remarkable ability of 2,6‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine ( btp ) compounds 2 with appended olefin amide arms to self‐template the formation of interlocked [2]catenane structures 3 in up to 50 % yield when subjected to olefin ring‐closing metathesis in CH₂Cl₂. X‐ray diffraction crystallography enabled the structural characterization of both the [2]catenane 3 a and the non‐interlocked macrocycle 4 a . These [2]catenanes showed selective triazolyl hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the tetrahedral phosphate anion when screened against a range of ions; 3 a , b are the first examples of selective [2]catenane hosts for phosphate.     

Selecting topology and connectivity through metal-directed macrocyclization reactions: a square planar palladium [2]catenate and two noninterlocked isomers

We report the synthesis of a [2]catenate using a square planar palladium(II) template, together with two isomers of the interlocked structure: a single tetradentate macrocycle that adopts a "figure of eight" conformation to encapsulate the metal and a complex in which the two macrocycles of the catenane are not interlocked. The three isomers can each be selectively formed depending on how the building blocks are assembled and cyclized. Olefin metathesis of both building blocks while they are attached to the metal gives the single large macrocycle in 77% yield. Cyclizing the monodentate unit prior to attaching both ligands to the metal gives the [2]catenate in 78% yield. Preforming the tridentate macrocycle produces a complex in two atropisomeric forms-threaded and nonthreaded-in a 2:3 ratio, which do not interconvert in dichloromethane at room temperature over 7 days. RCM of the nonthreaded atropisomer affords the complex with two noninterlocked macrocyclic ligands; RCM of the threaded atropisomer generates the topologically isomeric [2]catenate. Heating the acyclic atropisomers in acetonitrile provides a mechanism for their interconversion via ligand exchange, allowing the threaded:nonthreaded ratio to be varied from 2:3 to 8:1. All three fully ring-closed complexes were characterized unambiguously by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. As far as we are aware, this is the first time such a set of three formal topological and constitutional isomers has been described.     

New molecular topologies by fourfold metathesis reactions within a hydrogen-bonded calix[4]arene dimer

A calix[4]arene tetrapentyl ether in the cone conformation substituted at its wide rim by four m-(omega-octenyloxy)phenyl urea groups forms hydrogen-bonded dimeric capsules in dichloromethane/benzene (95:5). Metathesis reaction with Grubbs' catalyst under high-dilution conditions (1.1 x 10(-4) M) followed by hydrogenation leads to a covalent connection of all the urea groups within a dimer. Three topologically different products may be expected in such a reaction: a bis[2]catenane, a doubly bridged monocatenane and a tetrabridged capsule. All three possible reaction products could be isolated in an overall yield up to 60 % for the separated and purified compounds. Their identification was based on the NMR patterns which reflect the characteristic symmetry properties of the isomeric products especially in the region of the hydrogen-bonded NH protons and were further confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectra. Further structural support for the bis[2]catenane comes from a single-crystal X-ray structure, although severe disorder prevents the localization of all atoms in the aliphatic chains connecting the two calix[4]arenes. Kinetic studies for the guest release/exchange (cyclohexane against the solvent [D(6)]benzene) do not show remarkable differences between the starting dimer and the additionally linked dimers, while the mobility of an included tetraethylammonium cation is obviously more restricted.